Nurture Group Teaching Assistant

Drayton Community Primary School; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction mentor programme

Job summary

Drayton Community Primary School is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEND, especially in the Enhanced Pathways provision for Communication and Language and SEMH needs. The role also involves supporting inclusion in mainstream classes and helping pupils access learning.

The successful candidate will work with the SENCo and external teams to ensure holistic support and the wellbeing and progress of all pupils in a nurturing school environment.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with pupils with SEND, including SEMH and C&L needs.
• Commitment to inclusive practice and meeting diverse learning needs.
• Willingness to collaborate with teachers, SENCo and external teams.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEND primarily within the Enhanced Pathways provision (C&L and SEMH).
• Provide opportunities to work in mainstream classrooms and promote inclusion.
• Assist with behaviour, learning activities and personal development to help pupils access learning.

Skills

SEND experience

Inclusive practice

Collaboration

Patience

Job description

Teaching Assistant

Full-time, term-time only | Required from October/November. Fixed term until Summer 2027, subject to review and continued funding

Salary: Grade 4.4 (pro-rata - term time only)

Location: Drayton Community Primary School, near Abingdon, South Oxfordshire

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, compassionate, and committed individual to join our inclusive and supportive school community. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), primarily within our Enhanced Pathways provision for pupils with Communication and Language (C&L) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This role will also provide opportunities to work within mainstream classrooms, supporting children to access learning successfully and promoting inclusion across the school. A central aspect of the role will be helping pupils from the Enhanced Pathways provision to integrate confidently into the wider school environment, while also supporting other children who may require additional support.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about inclusive practice and committed to ensuring that every child is supported to achieve their full potential socially, emotionally, and academically. This role would suit an individual with experience of working with children with SEND, particularly SEMH and C&L needs, or someone eager to develop their expertise within a nurturing, supportive, and ambitious school environment.

In September 2025, we established a nurture group provision to support children with C&L and SEMH needs. This provision has been highly successful, with pupils making significant progress socially, emotionally, and academically. From September 2026, the provision will expand to include a second nurture group following the successful approval of our Enhanced Pathways application by Oxfordshire County Council.

The provision will be overseen by the SENCo and supported through close collaboration with a range of external professionals, including the Communication and Interaction (C&I) Team, Special Schools Outreach Services, and Educational Psychologists, ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach to meeting pupils’ needs.

About Us

Drayton Community Primary School is a welcoming, one-form entry school situated just outside Abingdon in South Oxfordshire, with excellent transport links to the A34/M4, Oxford, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage. We are proud of our strong community spirit, with an active parent group (FODSA), a dedicated team of staff, and children who are eager to learn and take pride in their achievements.

What We Offer

• A warm, purposeful school culture with high expectations and clear routines
• Children who are enthusiastic, kind and proud of their learning
• A supportive and ambitious leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth
• A 6-month induction programme with a mentor, as part of a structured probation period
• A coaching-based professional development model, rooted in current research
• A creative, inclusive environment where your voice is valued

What We’re Looking For

• Passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants with experience of supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including children with SEMH and Communication and Language needs.
• Kind, compassionate, and nurturing practitioners who are committed to supporting vulnerable learners and creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, safe, and supported.
• Experience of working with children across a range of needs and age groups, with the ability to adapt support strategies to meet individual learning and emotional needs.
• A strong commitment to improving pupil wellbeing, inclusion, engagement, and outcomes across all areas of the curriculum.
• Reflective practitioners who thrive on collaboration, value professional development, and are committed to continually improving their practice to best support children with additional needs.
• Individuals who are passionate about inclusive, holistic education and dedicated to ensuring every child is empowered to flourish socially, emotionally, and academically.

Our Pupils Say:

“Our school is amazing because we have a variety of learning opportunities, a wonderful school library, and lots of support with learning. Our lessons are creative, fun and everyone here is friendly and generous.” - School Council, January 2025

Our Parents Say:

“We are very happy with our child’s progress in school and she is very happy here.”

“Both my daughters have been to Drayton and I can safely say it is a wonderful place to be.”

“My child is really very happy at school. She loves all her teachers and has never had a bad word to say (although she would like more snow days)!” February 2025

Ofsted said:

“Pupils are proud to attend this welcoming school where everyone flourishes… The school has high ambition for all pupils, including those with SEND. Pupils engage highly in lessons and value the support that staff provide… They love to share their learning and talk enthusiastically about the interesting topics they study.” September 2023

Application deadline: Wednesday 29th September, interview on Tuesday 6th October

Please note applications will be reviewed on arrival and the closing date and interviews may be brought forward.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email the same week, or following early applications, with interview day requirements.

Drayton Community Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. All staff and volunteers must share this commitment. Successful candidates will be required to undertake all necessary safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. We reserve the right to carry out an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates. References will be sought on shortlisted candidates before the interview.